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The Big Picture (Michael W. Smith album)

The Big Picture is the third album by contemporary Christian music artist Michael W. Smith, released in 1986 on Reunion Records.[3] The title comes from "Pursuit of the Dream," in which it is heard a few times, but also applies to the variety of themes for young people to learn about from the songs. That track instructs on pursuing goals, and other themes include the folly of escapism ("Lamu"), sexual abstinence before marriage ("Old Enough to Know"), and maintaining a positive self image ("You're Alright"). Track 9. "Tearing Down The Wall" opens with a reverse snippet of Amy Grant's "Emmanuel". The Big Picture was ranked at number 21 on CCM Magazine's 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.[4] Smith won a GMA Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 18th GMA Dove Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male at the 29th Grammy Awards.

The Big Picture

February 1, 1986

1985

  • Mediasound, New York City
  • Sigma Sound, New York City
  • Soundtrack, New York City
  • Bullet, Nashville
  • Emerald Sound, Nashville
  • Bennett House, Franklin
  • The Castle, Franklin
  • Blue Jay, Carlisle

Contemporary Christian music

50:39

Reunion

Michael W. Smith, John Potoker

All songs written by and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith – lead vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, drum programming

– keyboards, Fairlight programming, drum programming

Shane Keister

Steve Schaffer, with Music Resources –

Synclavier programming

– guitars

Dann Huff

– guitars

Eddie Martinez

Nick Moroch – guitars

– guitars, backing vocals

Chris Rodriguez

– bass, stick bass

Tony Levin

Gary Lunn – bass, drum programming

– drums

Steve Ferrone

– drums, drum programming

David Huff

Frank Doyle – drum programming

Mark Kovac – drum programming

John Potoker – drum programming

– percussion

Bashiri Johnson

– saxophones

Michael Brecker

– trombone

Jim Pugh

– trumpet

Randy Brecker

Chris Harris – backing vocals

– backing vocals

Wayne Kirkpatrick

Backing vocals on "Voices"

Producers – Michael W. Smith and John Potoker

Executive Producers – Michael Blanton, Dan Harrell and

Brown Bannister

Engineer and Mixing – John Potoker

Assistant Engineers – JB, Spencer Chrislu, Mike Clute, Ken Criblez, Nick Delre, Jeffrey Dovener, Rob Feaster, Jim Goldberger, Ed Goodreau, Tim Hattfield, Bill Heath, Keith Odell, Clarke Schleicher, Bob Vogt and Tony Volante.

Recorded at , Mediasound, Sigma Sound and Soundtrack (New York, NY); Bullet Recording and Emerald Sound (Nashville, TN); The Bennett House and The Castle (Franklin, TN); Blue Jay Recording (Carlisle, MA).

The Power Station

Mixed at Blue Jay Recording (Carlisle, MA).

Mastering – at Sterling Sound (New York, NY).

Ted Jensen

Production Coordinator – Kimberly Smith

Art Direction and Design – Kent Hunter and Thomas Ryan

Photography – Beverly Ann Moore

Grooming – Jody Morlock and Julie Miller Overstreet

Child on album cover – Christopher Copeland